New after-school programme funded with money raised by Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny

A cheque for the amount of €69,579 has been presented to Down Syndrome Kilkenny at the River Court Hotel after the huge success of their recent Saddle Up for Down Syndrome fundraiser.

The organisation have announced that it will now be able to fund an after school programme that will offer professional speech and language and occupational therapies to its members.

This programme will be funded  from the charity cycle proceeds alongside match funding from The Z Zurich Foundation. 

Fiona Heffernan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, said that this service ‘will allow the children to grow and reach their full potential in an environment set at their own pace facilitated by trained professionals’.

“On behalf of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, I want to thank all of our supporters, Kells Angels, Catherine Cunliff and Danesfort GAA, the cyclists, organisers, and anyone who made a donation or contributed to the success of our fundraiser this year," she said.

“The money raised is unbelievable. It will completely transform the lives of our members. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Down Syndrome Kilkenny also presented certificates of appreciation to a number of supporters.

Pictured above presenting the cheque from the Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny charity cycle and its partner the Z Zurich Foundation who match funded donations to Down Syndrome Kilkenny are:

(L-R) DS Kilkenny Chairperson, Fiona Heffernan, The Z Zurich Foundation representative Joe Nolan, Race Director, Mark Gaffney and DS Kilkenny Treasure Sean Manicle with (L-R) Ruby Heffernan, Erin Tracey, Shona Manning, Ariana Doheny and Hannah Hill. 

For more information see downsyndrome.ie/branches-detail/kilkenny